Fwd: Covid-19 Vaccination Policies and Immunization Policies for the Diocese of Olympia

Dear Clergy and Lay Leaders in the Diocese of Olympia,

In 2019, the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church adopted a resolution Regarding Vaccination Policies, which provides, in pertinent part: “All Episcopal institutions, programs, facilities, and services must ensure the safety of participants which should include requiring that all participants and staff participants are vaccinated in accordance with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Immunization Schedule and/or applicable state law…”

Based on this action, in July 2020, the Diocesan Council adopted Immunization Policies for the Diocesan of Olympia, which were shared with clergy and lay leaders in early September 2020. Due to the ongoing pandemic, implementation was delayed; this delay also provided time to incorporate updates and revisions into the policies. While we recognize that these policies will continue to evolve, revised policies were adopted by the Diocesan Council at its meeting on June 24, 2021. The deadline for full implementation of these policies is no later than January 1, 2022; earlier implementation is encouraged, if possible.

DIOCESAN IMMUNIZATION POLICY

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Diocese of Olympia has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of its clergy, staff, and congregants. With the widespread availability of the COVID-19 vaccines, and based upon the recommendations of the CDC and public health experts, the Diocesan Council at its meeting on June 24, 2021 adopted the a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, which applies to all clergy and lay persons employed by the Diocese of Olympia, its congregations, and affiliated ministries.

COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY

If you have any questions, please contact me at dmoore@ecww.org.

Canon Dede Moore

Canon for Diocesan Networking & Connections